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Selected Verse: Romans 16:16 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
Ro 16:16 |
King James |
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Salute one another with an holy kiss--So Co1 16:20; Th1 5:26; Pe1 5:14. The custom prevailed among the Jews, and doubtless came from the East, where it still obtains. Its adoption into the Christian churches, as the symbol of a higher fellowship than it had ever expressed before, was probably as immediate as it was natural. In this case the apostle's desire seems to be that on receipt of his epistle, with its salutations, they should in this manner expressly testify their Christian affection. It afterwards came to have a fixed place in the church service, immediately after the celebration of the Supper, and continued long in use. In such matters, however, the state of society and the peculiarities of different places require to be studied.
The churches of Christ salute you--The true reading is, "All the churches"; the word "all" gradually falling out, as seeming probably to express more than the apostle would venture to affirm. But no more seems meant than to assure the Romans in what affectionate esteem they were held by the churches generally; all that knew he was writing to Rome having expressly asked their own salutations to be sent to them. (See Rom 16:19). |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Salute one another - Greet one another in an affectionate mannner; that is, treat each other with kindness and love, and evince all proper marks of affection.
With an holy kiss - This mode of salutation has been practiced at all times; and particularly in eastern nations. It was even practiced by "men;" see the note at Luk 22:47-48. The use of the word "holy" here serves to denote that Paul intended it as an expression of "Christian" affection; and to guard against all improper familiarity and scandal. It was common, according to Justin Martyr (Apology), for the early Christians to practice it in their religious assemblies.
The churches of Christ - That is, the churches in the vicinity of the place where the apostle wrote this Epistle; probably the churches particularly in Achaia. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Kiss
Compare Co1 16:20; Co2 13:12, Th1 5:26; Pe1 5:14. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
Salute one another with an holy kiss - Termed by St. Peter, "the kiss of love," Pe1 5:14. So the ancient Christians concluded all their solemn offices; the men saluting the men, and the women the women. And this apostolical custom seems to have continued for some ages in all Christian churches. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Salute one another with a holy kiss - In those early times the kiss, as a token of peace, friendship, and brotherly love, was frequent among all people; and the Christians used it in their public assemblies, as well as in their occasional meetings. This was at last laid aside, not because it was abused, but because, the Church becoming very numerous, the thing was impossible. In some countries the kiss of friendship is still common; and in such countries it is scarcely ever abused, nor is it an incentive to evil, because it is customary and common. Shaking of hands is now substituted for it in almost all Christian congregations.
The Churches of Christ salute you - The word πασαι, All, is added here by some of the most reputable MSS. and principal versions; and Griesbach has received it into his text. St. Paul must mean, here, that all the Churches in Greece and Asia, through which he had passed, in which the faith of the Christians at Rome was known, spoke of them affectionately and honourably; and probably knowing the apostle's design of visiting Rome, desired to be kindly remembered to the Church in that city. |
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.